How to Choose the Right Pet Portrait Artist
Commissioning a pet portrait is a beautiful way to honour the animals who fill our lives with love, loyalty, and personality. Whether you’re looking for a custom piece to remember a beloved pet or to gift to someone special, selecting the right artist is a crucial part of the process. Here’s what to look for to ensure you find an artist who will truly capture the spirit of your furry (or feathered!) friend.
1. Review Their Portfolio Carefully
Every artist has a unique style — some are more realistic, others lean toward whimsical or abstract. Before reaching out, take the time to explore their portfolio. Does their work evoke the feeling you’re after? Do the colours, expressions, and textures align with what you’re imagining?
Keep an eye out for consistency. If their work varies a lot in quality or style, it could mean they’re still developing their approach, or that you might not know exactly what to expect from your commission.
2. Look for Experience With Similar Pets
A skilled pet portrait artist should have experience with a diverse range of animals, not just dogs and cats. If you have a bird, a rabbit, or even a reptile, check if the artist has depicted these types of pets before. Also, take note of the diversity in fur or feather types. For example:
Long-haired pets: Look for detail and flow in the fur.
Short-haired pets: Notice how the artist captures subtle shading and muscle tone.
Wrinkly or “roll-filled” pets: Check if the artist can effectively portray texture and expression without making the pet look distorted or cartoonish.
This level of detail demonstrates that the artist understands how to highlight the unique characteristics of each animal.
3. Ask About Their Process
Once you’ve found someone whose style you love, don’t hesitate to ask how their commission process works. Important questions include:
Do they work from photographs? If so, how many and what kind do they prefer?
Is there a revision process? Can you give feedback on a draft or sketch before the final piece is finished?
What are the expected timelines for completion?
How do they handle special requests or sentimental elements?
A good artist will be transparent, communicative, and make sure you feel involved in the creative process. Knowing that you’ll have a chance to review and approve the artwork helps ensure the final piece meets your expectations.
4. Be Aware of Red Flags From Others’ Experiences
I’ve heard some horror stories from people visiting our market stalls, and it's always disappointing to hear how they've lost faith in any portrait artist due to their poor experience. For example, I had one lady pass by my stall one day, expressing her disappointment in having wasted so much money on her cat's portrait, only to receive something that looked nothing like her cat; even the eyes were a completely wrong colour! Naturally, this left a bad taste in her mouth, and she felt she could never trust a portrait artist again, and who can blame her?
Hearing these stories from people who took a chance and were left disappointed highlights the importance of doing thorough research. A bad experience can not only leave someone with a subpar portrait — it can also discourage them from ever commissioning a piece again, even if it’s to celebrate a pet who meant the world to them.
5. Final Thoughts
Choosing a pet portrait artist is about more than just liking their art — it’s about trust. You’re inviting someone to create a personal and emotional piece, one that may hold deep meaning for years to come. Take your time, ask questions, and find an artist whose style, process, and professionalism align with your vision.
A great portrait isn’t just a pretty picture — it’s a tribute to a companion whose left paw prints (or claw marks!) are on your heart.
If you’re ready to leap but feeling nervous, please don't hesitate to reach out and ask any lingering questions you may have before making your decision.
You can email Chelsea directly at artbychelseaanne@gmail.com, text or reach out through our contact us page!
